Why book this trip?Why book this trip?

A self-guided cycle trip that explores quiet country roads, tiny coves and charming coastal villages on an

exploration of Asturias. Along the way you can enjoy great seafood, cheeses, local delicacies and the

cider-making capital of Villaviciosa.

Traditional local architecture - Village houses, stables, wooden grain barns and stone walls

Gijon - Explore the friendly seaside town

Swimming opportunites - Stop at inviting beaches and hidden coves.

Self-Guided Cycling in AsturiasSelf-Guided Cycling in AsturiasSPAIN SPAIN - TRIP CODE - TRIP CODE CSASCSAS

CYCLING

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ItineraryItinerary

Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.

Arrival in Llanes by car or public transport. There are good connections to all three nearby airports

(Santander, Oviedo or Bilbao). We usually reserve a hotel some 3 kms outside of Llanes but please check

the hotel details when you make your booking. From the bus station in Llanes you can take a taxi to the

hotel. If you are early you can spend some time at the pool before your stroll along the riverside foot path

to the centre of town, with numerous shops, bars and restaurants to choose from for dinner. Your

included rental bike will be delivered today or tomorrow morning by 9am and you will be required to

sign an agreement of care upon receipt of the bike.

A C C O M M O D AT I O N :

Hotel Finca La Mansion (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

SI N G L E R O O M AVA I L A B L E

M E A L S PR O V I D E D : N O N E

After you have tested and adjusted your rental bike, you start a lovely circular ride on quiet tarmac roads,

I N C L U D E DM E A L S

Breakfast: 7

T R I P STA F F

NoneT R A N SPO R T

BicycleCar

A C C O M M O D AT I O N

7 nightscomfortable hotel

C Y C L I N GG R A D E :

Easy ToModerate

DAY 1DAY 1 - Holiday starts in Llanes - Holiday starts in Llanes

DAY 2DAY 2 - Circular ride exploring Llanes villages and coves - Circular ride exploring Llanes villages and coves

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country lanes and unsurfaced tracks around Llanes with some short steep climbs to test your legs and

fitness! First you cycle east along the coast to a beautiful view point, where rural farms meet steep cliffs

above the sea. Next you follow narrow tarmac lanes and hardpack dirt tracks, cycling inland before you

ride back out toward the coast . Along the way there is the chance to visit several villages or stop off for a

picnic or swim at a quiet cove.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 22 kilometres (265 metres total ascent and 265 metres

descent).

A C C O M M O D AT I O N :

Hotel Finca La Mansion (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

SI N G L E R O O M AVA I L A B L E

M E A L S PR O V I D E D : B R E A KFA ST

Today's ride is across rolling green hills to Nueva de Llanes town and there are several spots where you

can stop for a dip in the sea and enjoy beautiful beaches. There are a few ascents on today's ride and the

main one ascends 175 metres, although this can be avoided if you choose to take the main road instead.

You will ride past the ethnographic museum in Porrúa and the beautifully-situated church at Niembro.

From the market village of Posada you continue onward, paralleling sections of the Camino, to reach

your accommodation overlooking Nueva de Llanes. After arriving you have the option to cycle on for

about 4km to the beach at Cueva del Mar from the hotel.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 27 kilometres (450 metres total ascent and 400 metres

descent).

A C C O M M O D AT I O N :

Hotel San Jorge (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

SI N G L E R O O M AVA I L A B L E

DAY 3DAY 3 - Cycle across green rolling hills to Nueva de Llanes - Cycle across green rolling hills to Nueva de Llanes

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M E A L S PR O V I D E D : B R E A KFA ST

The cycle route today along the coastal strip to Colunga is also part of the Camino de Santiago del Norte

(northern variant of Saint James' Way) and painted shells in blue and yellow will line your route. Along

the way you pass the beautiful town of Ribadesella, with its tiny port and historic 'Indiano' mansions, and

lovely beaches at Playa de Vega and Playa La Espasa.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 37 kilometres (330 metres total ascent and 375 metres

descent).

A C C O M M O D AT I O N :

Hotel Entrevines (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

SI N G L E R O O M AVA I L A B L E

M E A L S PR O V I D E D : B R E A KFA ST

A gentle and relatively short cycle loop today helps you explore the coastal area of Colunga. We

recommend you stop for lunch at the harbour of picturesque Lastres (which has the steepest streets out

of any Asturias fishing village) and visit the Jurassic Museum where you can literally walk in the footsteps

of dinosaurs.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 21 kilometres (300 metres total ascent and descent).

A C C O M M O D AT I O N :

Hotel Entrevines (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

DAY 4DAY 4 - Ride along the coast to Colunga - Ride along the coast to Colunga

DAY 5DAY 5 - Circular cycling route from Colunga via Lastres harbour - Circular cycling route from Colunga via Lastres harbour

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SI N G L E R O O M AVA I L A B L E

M E A L S PR O V I D E D : B R E A KFA ST

On today's cycle route you will pass through Villaviciosa with its inviting historical centre. Once an

important stop for pilgrims going to Santiago, it is now the centre for cider-making in Asturias. You then

ride along the protected birding area of the estuary known as ZEPA. Another stop along your route today

is at Tázones. A village famous for its seafood restaurants and because of the accidental anchoring of

Emperor Carlos V's fleet in 1517. The route continues to Aguero.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 37 kilometres (420 metres total ascent and 375 metres

descent).

A C C O M M O D AT I O N :

Hotel Rural La Figar (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

SI N G L E R O O M AVA I L A B L E

M E A L S PR O V I D E D : B R E A KFA ST

The ride for your last day is slightly shorter but has a good ascent of 200m in the middle as you make a

detour through the valley of Péon in order to avoid busier roads. Then you sail down into the city of

Gijon and ride along the beautiful San Lorenzo beach boardwalk to your hotel.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 29 kilometres (240 metres total ascent and 450 metres

descent).

A C C O M M O D AT I O N :

Hotel Asturias (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

DAY 6DAY 6 - Cycle to Aguero via cider capital of Villaviciosa and seafood of Tazones - Cycle to Aguero via cider capital of Villaviciosa and seafood of Tazones

DAY 7DAY 7 - Cycle to the welcoming seaside town of Gijon - Cycle to the welcoming seaside town of Gijon

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SI N G L E R O O M AVA I L A B L E

M E A L S PR O V I D E D : B R E A KFA ST

After breakfast, the organised part of your holiday comes to an end.

M E A L S PR O V I D E D : B R E A KFA ST

Trip informationTrip information

Spain

Climate

Overall, spring, early summer and autumn are ideal times for a Spanish trip - though the weather

varies enormously from region to region. The high central plains suffer from fierce extremes, stiflingly

hot in summer, bitterly cold and swept by freezing winds in winter. The Atlantic coast, in contrast, has

a tendency to damp and mist, and a relatively brief, humid summer. The Mediterranean south is warm

virtually all year round. Spain's Islands the Canaries and Balaerics experience very mild winters and

warm summers making them ideal year round destinations.

Time difference to GMT

+1

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Roman Catholic

Language

Castilian Spanish, Catalan, Galician, Basque

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated

DAY 8DAY 8 - Holiday ends in Gijon - Holiday ends in Gijon

Country informationCountry information

Budgeting and packingBudgeting and packing

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costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may

depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were

originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities

are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.

Day 2 - Stop off at a Niembro beach to relax or swim in the sea.

Day 4 - Have an optional walk to see the Bufones (blowholes) along the limestone cliffs at Lames or visit

the 'Cueva de Tito Bustillo' cave paintings (tickets are limited so you will need to book tickets in advance

at the local tourist office). Perhaps spend time today at Playa de Vega beach.

Day 6 - Take an optional walk to see dinosaur tracks at Tazones (accessible only at low tide).

Day 7 - Visit El Jardin Botanico del Atlantico (Botanical Garden).

On a number of days there is also the opportunity to visit local medieval churches and museums.

Clothing

Bring cycling gear such as quick drying cycle tops, padded cycle shorts and cycle gloves. Remember that

the weather is slightly more changeable in northern Spain, and it can be cool, especially at night and at

the start and end of the season, so bring a warmer jacket/fleece. A waterproof cycle jacket is

recommended in case of rain. A light windproof jacket is always useful.

Footwear

If you are not bringing cycle shoes then try to bring stiff-soled shoes as these are better for cycling -

transmitting your energy into the pedals more efficiently. This becomes more relevant and recommended

the more demanding the grade and distances to cover. SPD cycle shoes are not well suited to tours that

combine sightseeing with cycling.

Comfortable shoes, trainers, sandals or flip flops are useful when not on the bike.

Luggage: On tour

Bring one main piece of baggage as per your airline luggage allowance, maximum 20 kg per person.

Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage if using public transport so don't overload

yourself. Luggage transfers between hotels are normally arranged by the hoteliers. Please note luggage

transfers are restricted to 15 kg per person, any additional weight will need to be packed in your day bag

or pannier bag. Mark your bags clearly and leave them at the place and time arranged with them. When

travelling on public transport you should always take your luggage with you.

Luggage transfer

Included between each hotel.

Equipment

On all Explore cycle holidays we strongly recommend you bring along and wear your cycle helmet. It is a

legal requirement in Spain to wear a helmet that meets current safetly criteria. In case of an accident

resulting in personal injury, certain insurance policies are invalidated in cases where a helmet was not

being worn. Cycle glasses (to protect against dust, insects, pollen, sun etc) , cycle gloves (padded for more

comfort) and a water bottle or water delivery system (eg camelback or platypus). Please note that it is a

legal requirement to wear a helmet while cycling in Spain (minimum fine 200 Euros). In case of an

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accident resulting in personal injury, certain insurance policies (explore included) are invalidated in

cases where a helmet was not being worn. You may choose to bring your own gel seat cover for added

comfort. If a handle bar bag or pannier is not provided (check bike details) then you may like to bring a

small rucksack to wear while cycling. A lock, pump, spare inner tube and puncture repair kit with tyre

levers is provided with the bike. Please carry some or all of your cycling equipment e.g. helmet as part of

your hand luggage.

Maps - Along with the destination manual and route notes you will be sent a set of maps that have been

created specifically for this trip to help you navigate. The route is marked on each map together with a

series of numbered waypoints which correspond with instructions in the route notes. Should you wish to

purchase a more detailed commercially produced map we recommend the following:-

General Maps

Mapa de Carreteras, Principado de Asturias, scale 1/300.000, free at Tourist Offices.

Michelin, n°. 442, España, Norte, scale 1/400.000.

Topographic Maps

Instituto Geográfico Nacional, Mapas Topográficos Nacionales, scale 1/50.000:

nr 31 Ribadesella

nr 30 Villaviciosa

nr 32 Llanes

nr 14 Gijon

Spain

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses

eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track

may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may

charge more.

Lunch price

£8.00 - 12.00

Dinner price

£16.00 - 20.00

Beer price

£1.50 - 3.50 (depending on the region/area in Spain)

Water price

£1.4

Foreign Exchange

Local currency

Euros

Recommended Currency For Exchange

We recommend you take the majority of your spending money in Euros cash.

Where To Exchange

We recommend that you change any currency into Euros prior to arrival. Bureau de Change are

generally only found in major cities and large airports.

ATM Availability

In cities and most major towns.

Credit Card Acceptance

Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted in larger restaurants and some shops.

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Travellers Cheques

Not recommended.

Transport Information

Bicycle, Car

Recommended airport

Oviedo (Asturias), Santander or Bilbao Airports.

Flying to your destination

We'd recommend flights into Oviedo (Asturias), Santander or Bilbao Airports which are served by both

budget and non-budget airlines from multiple airports in the UK.

Accommodation notes

Comfortable - Our mid-range accommodation offers a good level of service often with other amenities

such as a restaurant, bar, garden or swimming pool. Generally rooms will be comfortable with en-suite

facilities.

Arrival and departure information

At the start of your trip you can fly into Oviedo (Asturias), Santander or Bilbao Airports.

By public transport from Oviedo Airport

From Oviedo (Asturias) airport to Llanes take a bus to the city centre bus station then a second bus to

Llanes. The travel time is about 2 hours and they depart at 08.30, 08.45 then 14.30, 15.45, 17.00 and

19.30. To check times and for further information please see http://www.aena.es/en/asturias-

airport/index.html

On arrival at the bus station in Llanes you take a taxi to your hotel, situated on the outskirts of town (3km,

5 Euros).

By public transport from Santander airport

In summer there are 2 direct buses a day from Santander airport to Llanes (departures at 12.00, 15.00 and

16.50hrs). Duration 2hrs. Check timetables at www.alsa.es

On arrival at the bus station in Llanes you take a taxi to your hotel, situated on the outskirts of town (3km,

5 Euros).

By public transport from Bilbao Airport

From Bilbao airport you take a city bus to the central bus station in town (every 20min).

From Bilbao city centre to Llanes there are approx. 5 buses a day, with departures between 10.00 and

Transport, Accommodation & MealsTransport, Accommodation & Meals

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18.00hrs. Duration 3.30hrs. Check timetables at www.alsa.es

At the end of your trip in Gijon you can fly back from either Oviedo (Asturias), Santander or Bilbao

Airports. Oviedo (Asturias) Airport is the closest and easiest.

By public transport to Oviedo (Asturias) Airport

Between Gijon bus station and Oviedo (Asturias) airport there is a shuttle bus every 1 hour that runs

from 6 am to 9 pm (duration 45mins).

By public transport to Bilbao and Santander Airports

There are direct buses with ALSA. Check timetables at www.alsa.es

Private arrival transfers from Santander, Asturius or Bilbao can be arranged. Private departures

transfers to Santander or Asturias airports can also be arranged. These transfers are at additional cost

and must be booked in advance.

FCO Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information

and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and

customs. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice click here.

For more information from Explore about travel advice, click here

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under

18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if

this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the

circumstances. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing

information.Booking Conditions

Visa and Passport Information

Spain: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, US, New Zealand, US or Canadian citizens. Other

nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant

Embassy prior to departure.

If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's

recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa

application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa

through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa

Essential InformationEssential Information

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applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity

for your chosen destination.

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and

Booking Conditions.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you

have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements.

Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information.

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.

Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will now receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive

and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged

from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the

ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have

selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the

joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at

the designated airport or train station.

Free transfers are not available for Self-Guided, Polar, Tailormade or Tours for Churches customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the

joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at

an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your

responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full

terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you

intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully

cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your

policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the

entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper

altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will

exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an

additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full

amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and

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repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the

United Kingdom.

Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore offers a wide range of flexible flying options to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read

more about them here.

Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive

package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK

allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our

dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display a UK flight inclusive package guide price which is generally based on a London

departure. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend

booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Spain

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory but Tetanus is usually recommended as a precaution. Please check the latest

requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list.

Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS

and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and

vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

General cycling information

On this journey you cycle 173 km over six days (an average of 29 km per day). The rides mostly

Cycling informationCycling information

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follow quiet interior roads (busier near the major towns). The terrain is generally rolling with

plenty of uphill sections, although never more than 200m in any one ascent. There are no sections

with dedicated cycle paths but traffic is light. On the two circular routes about 30% follows gravel

tracks and dirt roads (days 2 and 5). We have graded the route as easy to moderate.

Bike included

21 or 24 gear Giant or Specialized hybrid bike with front suspension.

Electric bikes (e-bikes) are available for an additional cost for the duration of the holiday. You will

be required to pay a refundable deposit upon collection of the e-bike in country. Please contact us

for more details or to request your e-bike.

Bike information

Your included bike is a 21 or 24 gear Specialized or Giant hybrid bike with front suspension and

will be the correct frame size for your height. Women's frames available but limited in number -

please request at time of booking. The bike is fitted with a lateral rear pannier bag, water bottle

holder (except smallest frame bikes) and waterproof map carrier as well as the facility to fit your

own saddle if you wish to bring this. A lock, pump, spare inner tube and puncture repair kit with

tyre levers will be provided. All you need to bring is your own helmet. You will be required to sign

an agreement of care upon receipt of the bike.

Electric bikes (e-bikes) are available for an additional cost for the duration of the holiday (£50). A

pannier can also be hired at extra cost. You will be required to pay a refundable deposit upon

collection of the e-bike in country. Please contact us for more details or to request your e-bike.

Cycling grade

EasyToModerate

Why book this tripUnlike many other operators, we include the hire of your bike in the overall cost of the holiday:

you don't need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a pump, lock,

spare inner tube and tyre levers. All you need bring is your own helmet.

Additional InformationAdditional Information

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AW A R D W I N N I N GE X PL O R E L E A D E R S

PR I C E G U A R A N T E E

PR O M I SE

A I R PO R T

T R A N SF E R S

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